upcoming events

Kolkata

January 31, 2025 - Feb 2, 2025

Bannabagram Baul Ashram

Feb 4, 2025

Goa

Feb 7 - 8, 2025

About Us

Sur Jahan (previous name Sufi Sutra) is an annual World Peace Music Festival with the motto of ‘Music for Peace, Music for All’ and has been held since 2011 at Kolkata till 2023. The festival has also travelled to a few cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Panjim, Patna and Dhaka in the past. Sur Jahan is a non-ticketed festival, open to music lovers. Sur Jahan always presented Int'l music bands and had participation of world music bands from 32 countries till date. The format includes evening concerts and daytime interactive workshops with the audience, and the USP of the festival is presentation of traditional acoustic instruments of various countries as well as folk music in various mother tongues/ vernacular languages, celebrating the essence of World Music, i.e, music of the world. Celebrating Cultural diversity and plurality is the basis of this festival, which also is the essence of Kolkata, the city of joy. Sur Jahan 2025 is already announced, starting with Kolkata on January 31, 2025 - Feb 2, 2025.

  • Countries
  • International Teams
  • National Teams
  • Cities
  • National Artists
  • Folk Artists
  • Audience
  • International Artists

Umbra Ensemble

Pengetős Trio

Folkcorn

Ale Moller

Bauls of Bengal

Sur Jahan 2025

Teams of 2025

The 2025 edition of Sur Jahan, organized by banglanatak dot com, promises a rich musical and cultural journey across three locations: Kolkata (January 31–February 2) at Golf Green Central Park, on 4th February at Bannabagram Baul Ashram (near Santiniketan) and at Kala Academy, Goa (February 7–8). Established in 2011 to promote peace and unity through music, Sur Jahan aligns with UNESCO’s mission to preserve cultural diversity and has evolved as a celebrated platform for cross-cultural dialogue and creative exchange.

The lineup for 2025 is set to be exceptional, featuring award-winning international talents like Iceland’s all-women group Umbra Ensemble; Sweden’s Ale Möller Trio (Ale Moler is known as the “Godfather of Nordic Music”), Hungary’s Pengetos Trio, known for their distinguished folk heritage contributions; and the Netherlands' renowned Folkcorn, a key player in Dutch folk music for over 50 years. Representing India, Kolkata's own Folks of Bengal, traditional Bhawaiya and Bhatiyali musicians, and Baul artists from Bengal will add a vibrant regional touch.

Each festival day offers interactive workshops where artists share the unique traditions and histories behind their music, followed by evening concerts. The event will close with a grand finale where musicians from around the world unite in a collaborative piece, symbolizing Sur Jahan’s spirit of harmony across borders.

Stay tuned for more updates and be part of this extraordinary celebration of music, culture, and peace.

Glimpses

Attractions

The site of Sur Jahan is abuzz through the entire span of the festival. A corner is dedicated to craftspeople engaging with visitors about traditional art and artisans displaying their unique artwork in the form of folk painting, embroidery, and weaving in designated stalls. They’re pleased to meet visitors and eager to answer questions about their process. Folk singers and performance artists holding crowds in thrall with little scheduled shows from afternoon to evening. The participating bands discuss their music, tradition, instruments, engage with the audience and collaborate with local bands. They even conduct and participate in small scale workshops during the mornings of Day 2 and Day 3. A little way away from this constant activity is the enchanted main stage, which only comes alive at sundown.

Festival Stories

Over the years, many participating artists, both international and national have performed and brought the language of music to life. Invited guests return with beautiful memories and perhaps a food for thought for us. The audience has motivated us to be braver with their encouraging words and views. Here, we have strived to bring you these lived anecdotes from the performers, guests and viewers who have become part of the Sur Jahan family.

Plan Your Tour

One of the biggest music extravaganzas in the heart of Kolkata allows you to explore hidden gems of Bengal. This grand music festival is an opportunity to enjoy the local culture and landscapes of West Bengal at its finest.